Enterprising Resident Sells Sodas To Slake Riders' Thirst

A thirsty bus rider who found there was no convenient place to buy a soda while waiting at Tri-County Transit's makeshift bus terminal downtown is now selling cold drinks and snacks to passengers.

Lee Goldman is an Orlando real estate agent who says she doesn't even usually ride the bus. But two weeks ago after selling her car, Goldman, 27, was waiting for the bus at the temporary terminal under Interstate 4 in downtown Orlando and couldn't find anyplace to get a soft drink. As a result, Lee Goldman Enterprises was born.

At first Goldman wanted to open an ''old-fashioned Kool Aid stand,'' but the Orange County Health Department nixed that plan and suggested she sell canned drinks and packaged snacks instead.

Officials at Tri-County transit approved, and Monday the Orlando City Council also approved the venture. Council members added personal praise for her enterprising nature and the fact that she will be providing summer jobs to two teen-age boys from her neighborhood.

In return, Goldman promised to keep the temporary terminal clean. To show her willingness, earlier this week she and her helpers tried out their litter- lugging skills. ''We did everything, including sweeping cigarettes from out of the gutter,'' Goldman told the council.

Goldman said she expects the service will be well-received, especially ''in this heat'' because passengers making transfers often must wait for 20 minutes to make their connection.

Goldman and company will sell their goods from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.